Hazing Lawsuit Guide for Town of Edmonson, Texas Parents: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin & Greek Life Accountability

If Your Child Was Hazed in Edmonson or at Any Texas University, You Are Not Alone

We know how it starts for families right here in Edmonson, in Hale County, and across West Texas. Your son or daughter returns from college changed—exhausted, secretive, carrying unexplained injuries, or haunted by something they won’t fully discuss. The excitement of joining a fraternity, sorority, Corps of Cadets, athletic team, or campus organization has turned into a nightmare of forced drinking, physical punishment, humiliation, or psychological torment. You hear whispers about “traditions,” “bonding,” or “pledge education,” but your parental instinct screams that something is dangerously wrong.

Right now, in our own state, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country—proof that this is not just national news, but a Texas reality. At the University of Houston, our client Leonel Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the lawsuit we filed, he was forced through extreme workouts, subjected to hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” made to carry a degrading “pledge fanny pack,” and required to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting. His urine turned brown, he was hospitalized for four days, and he faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The chapter has been shut down, but his suffering continues.

This is what modern hazing looks like in Texas, and it doesn’t just happen in Houston. It happens at Texas A&M in College Station, UT Austin, SMU in Dallas, Baylor in Waco—and it affects students from Edmonson and surrounding Hale County communities who attend these schools. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Edmonson parents and families to help you understand what hazing really involves in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, and how to protect your child when institutions fail them.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies in Edmonson

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  • Post details on public social media
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
• Universities move quickly to control the narrative
• We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Edmonson Students

Hazing is no longer just about “hell week” or harmless pranks. For Edmonson students at Texas universities today, hazing has evolved into sophisticated, often digitally-facilitated abuse that leaves lasting physical and psychological scars. The common thread across all forms is coercion—the use of social pressure, fear of exclusion, or explicit threats to make students endure harmful treatment to join or maintain membership in a group.

Modern Hazing Categories Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the most common and deadliest form. Your child might be subjected to “lineup” drinking games, forced chugging competitions during “Big/Little” nights, or pressure to consume dangerous amounts during “bid acceptance” celebrations. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting—a classic substance hazing tactic disguised as a “challenge.”

Physical Hazing: Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics called “smokings,” forced exercise until collapse, sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions,” exposure to extreme temperatures, and dangerous physical tests. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case included 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and cold-weather exposure in underwear—all leading to life-threatening rhabdomyolysis.

Psychological and Digital Hazing: This is where hazing has evolved most dramatically. Your child might be subjected to 24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands, social media humiliation through forced posts or “challenges,” geographic tracking via sharing apps, public shaming in meetings, or systematic isolation from non-member friends. The psychological impact can be as devastating as physical injuries.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like the “elephant walk” or “roasted pig” positions reported in some Texas A&M Corps cases), degrading costumes, or acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones. These violations leave deep emotional scars and may trigger Title IX investigations alongside hazing claims.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas Universities

While fraternities and sororities receive the most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC Programs (especially at Texas A&M)
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming)
• Spirit and Tradition Groups (like Texas Cowboys at UT Austin)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

The common denominator is power imbalance—older members exploiting new members’ desire for belonging—and secrecy enforced through threats of social exclusion or organizational punishment.

Texas Hazing Law: What Edmonson Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that govern cases involving Edmonson students at state universities. Under Texas Education Code §37.151, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

1. Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
2. Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Critical Texas-Specific Provisions:

§37.152 Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor by default, but becomes a Class A misdemeanor if it causes injury requiring medical treatment, and a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.

§37.155 Consent is NOT a Defense: This is crucial for Edmonson families to understand. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law explicitly states this does not legalize hazing. Courts recognize that consent under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t truly voluntary.

§37.153 Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be criminally prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew about it and failed to report.

§37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Students who report hazing or call for medical help in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability—an important safety provision for witnesses.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

For Edmonson families, it’s essential to understand the two parallel legal tracks:

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (District Attorney’s Office)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common hazing-related charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal referrals were made to law enforcement alongside our civil lawsuit

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or surviving families (like our Bermudez lawsuit)
• Aim: Monetary compensation and institutional accountability
• Focus on: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Result: Financial recovery for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages

These cases can run simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families pursue civil action even when criminal charges aren’t filed.

Federal Law Overlay: Title IX, Clery Act, and Stop Campus Hazing Act

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain public hazing data by 2026. This will give Edmonson families better information about campus safety records.

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities must investigate and take appropriate action, creating additional liability pathways.

Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain campus crimes and maintaining safety statistics. Hazing incidents involving assault, alcohol crimes, or sexual offenses may trigger Clery reporting obligations.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Edmonson Families

The tragedies that have occurred nationwide are not distant news—they establish legal precedents and patterns that directly affect cases involving Edmonson students. Here are the landmark cases that shape today’s hazing litigation landscape:

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): The 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” night, died from alcohol poisoning, and his family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). This case shows how national fraternities and universities can share liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): The 19-year-old died during a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol level reached 0.495%. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony, and resulted in a $6.1 million verdict for his family.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): The 19-year-old died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid acceptance night with extreme drinking. Security cameras captured his falls and the chapter’s delayed 911 call. The case produced one of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history and led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): The pledge died during a violent “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote retreat where he was blindfolded, weighted down, and repeatedly tackled. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years—showing that national organizations face direct criminal liability.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): The 18-year-old suffered severe, permanent brain damage after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal” night. He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 care. His family settled with 22 defendants, demonstrating how multiple parties share responsibility for catastrophic injuries.

Athletic Program Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hacing within the football program, resulting in multiple lawsuits, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, and confidential settlements. This proved hazing extends far beyond Greek life into major athletic programs with deep institutional resources.

What These Cases Mean for Edmonson Families

These national tragedies establish crucial legal principles:

1. Foreseeability: When national organizations have prior incidents, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen”
2. Institutional Liability: Universities and national headquarters share responsibility alongside individual members
3. Cover-Up Consequences: Delaying medical care or destroying evidence dramatically increases liability
4. Substantial Compensation: Serious injuries and deaths result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
5. Legislative Impact: Public outrage leads to stronger laws that benefit future victims

Texas University Focus: Where Edmonson Students Are Most at Risk

Edmonson families send their children to universities across Texas, each with its own Greek life culture, history of hazing incidents, and accountability systems. Understanding these campus-specific realities is crucial for prevention and response.

University of Houston: The Active Case in Our Backyard

For Edmonson Families: While UH is approximately 450 miles from Edmonson in Hale County, West Texas students do attend Houston’s flagship university, and the ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case establishes critical Texas legal precedent that benefits all Texas families.

Campus & Greek Life Snapshot: UH is a large urban campus with active Greek life including IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, NPHC Divine Nine organizations, and multicultural groups. The campus hosts approximately 50 Greek chapters with thousands of members.

Recent Hazing History – The Leonel Bermudez Case:

• Organization: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
• Allegations: Forced “pledge fanny pack” with humiliating items, extreme workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption leading to vomiting, 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in single session
• Medical Outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization, ongoing kidney damage risk
• Institutional Response: Chapter suspended November 6, 2025; charter surrendered November 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
• Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney911 (we represent Bermudez) against UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, and 13 individual members
• Media Coverage: Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline

UH Hazing Prevention Systems:

• Reporting to Dean of Students Office
• UHPD jurisdiction on campus
• Online anonymous reporting forms
• Mandatory anti-hazing education for Greek organizations

What Edmonson Families with UH Students Should Know:

• Monitor the Bermudez case progression—it will establish Texas precedent
• Understand that hazing occurs at urban commuter campuses too
• UH has suspended multiple chapters for hazing violations in recent years
• The university’s response to the Pi Kappa Phi case will signal its future approach

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Intersection

For Edmonson Families: Texas A&M in College Station is approximately 300 miles from Edmonson and attracts many West Texas students, particularly those interested in agricultural sciences, engineering, and the Corps of Cadets.

Campus & Greek Life Snapshot: A&M has one of the nation’s largest Greek systems with over 100 chapters and the renowned Corps of Cadets—both with documented hazing issues. The intersection of traditional Greek life and military-style discipline creates unique risks.

Recent Hazing History:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

• Allegations: Pledges were covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Lawsuit: Pledges sued for $1 million
• University Response: Chapter suspended for two years
• Pattern Evidence: SAE has national history of hazing deaths and injuries

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):

• Allegations: Cadet was bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth, subjected to simulated sexual acts and degradation
• Lawsuit: Sought over $1 million in damages
• University Response: A&M stated it handled matter under Corps regulations
• Significance: Shows hazing extends beyond Greek life into military-style programs

Texas A&M Hazing Prevention Systems:

• Student Conduct Office investigations
• Corps-specific regulations and discipline
• Anonymous reporting through “See Something, Say Something”
• Required hazing prevention training for all student organizations

What Edmonson Families with A&M Students Should Know:

• Both Greek life and Corps of Cadets have documented hazing issues
• The university’s agricultural and engineering focus doesn’t eliminate hazing risk
• Some A&M traditions have been reformed after past incidents, but risk persists
• Distance from Edmonson doesn’t reduce liability—Texas law applies statewide

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

For Edmonson Families: UT Austin is approximately 350 miles from Edmonson and serves as a major destination for high-achieving West Texas students. Its relatively transparent hazing violation reporting provides unique insight into patterns.

Campus & Greek Life Snapshot: UT hosts approximately 60 Greek chapters with strong traditional presence. The university maintains a public Hazing Violations Log—one of the most transparent in Texas—that reveals ongoing issues despite education efforts.

Recent Hazing History from Public Log:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

• Violation: New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• Sanction: Chapter probation and mandatory hazing prevention education
• Pattern: Pi Kappa Alpha has national history of fatal hazing (Stone Foltz case)

Texas Wranglers Spirit Group:

• Multiple Violations: Forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices
• Significance: Shows hazing extends beyond Greek letters to spirit organizations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):

• Allegations: Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose
• Lawsuit: Student sued for over $1 million
• Chapter Status: Already under suspension for prior violations

UT Hazing Prevention Systems:

• Public Hazing Violations Log at hazing.utexas.edu
• Dean of Students investigations
• UTPD jurisdiction on campus
• Required annual anti-hazing training for registered student organizations

What Edmonson Families with UT Students Should Know:

• UT’s transparency allows you to research organizations before joining
• Repeated violations by same organizations show systemic issues
• The university’s academic prestige doesn’t correlate with hazing prevention
• Public violation records can strengthen civil cases by showing prior knowledge

Southern Methodist University: Private University Challenges

For Edmonson Families: SMU in Dallas is approximately 250 miles from Edmonson and attracts West Texas students interested in business, law, and private university experience.

Campus & Greek Life Snapshot: SMU has a reputation as an affluent campus with strong Greek presence. As a private university, it has different transparency obligations than public institutions, which can affect family access to information.

Recent Hazing History:

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

• Allegations: New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep
• University Response: Chapter suspended, restrictions on recruiting until approximately 2021
• Pattern: Kappa Alpha has multiple documented hazing incidents nationally

SMU Hazing Prevention Systems:

• Private university conduct process
• “Real Response” anonymous reporting system
• Greek Life Office oversight
• Mandatory member education

What Edmonson Families with SMU Students Should Know:

• Private universities have less public transparency about violations
• SMU’s “country club” reputation doesn’t eliminate hazing risk
• The university’s response to incidents may prioritize reputation management
• Civil discovery can uncover internal reports that aren’t publicly available

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Historical Scrutiny

For Edmonson Families: Baylor in Waco is approximately 225 miles from Edmonson and attracts West Texas students from religious backgrounds interested in Christian higher education.

Campus & Greek Life Snapshot: Baylor’s religious identity coexists with active Greek life. The university’s history of scrutiny over football and Title IX issues creates a complex accountability environment.

Recent Hazing History:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

• Allegations: Hazing within baseball program
• University Response: 14 players suspended in staggered fashion
• Significance: Shows hazing extends to athletic programs even at religious institutions

Baylor Hazing Prevention Systems:

• Student Conduct process influenced by religious values
• Required training for student organizations
• Anonymous reporting options
• Title IX Office involvement when sexual misconduct overlaps

What Edmonson Families with Baylor Students Should Know:

• Religious identity doesn’t prevent hazing—it may just change the language used
• Baylor’s past institutional failings in other areas may affect hazing response
• The university may frame issues as “conduct violations” rather than hazing
• Civil cases may need to navigate religious liberty arguments

The Greek Ecosystem Serving Edmonson Families: Public Records Intelligence

For Edmonson parents to understand the true scope of organizations involved in Texas Greek life, we maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. This intelligence allows us to trace liability beyond individual chapters to national organizations, housing corporations, alumni associations, and insurance carriers.

Lubbock Metro Area Greek Organizations (Serving West Texas)

Edmonson is in Hale County within the Lubbock metro area, which has 59 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. These serve students from Edmonson attending Texas Tech University and other West Texas campuses:

Sample Organizations in the Lubbock Metro Area:

• Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing Corporation – EIN 237359384 – Lubbock, TX 79401
• Kappa Alpha Order – Texas Tech Gamma Chi Chapter – Lubbock, TX
• Alpha Phi Omega – TTU Chapter – Lubbock, TX
• Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Lubbock Chapter – Lubbock, TX
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Chapter – EIN 820644459 – Lubbock, TX 79430

Texas Tech University Greek Life: As the closest major university to Edmonson (approximately 50 miles away), Texas Tech hosts numerous fraternities and sororities that Edmonson students may join, including chapters of organizations with national hazing histories like Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Phi Delta Theta.

Major Texas Greek Hubs Where Edmonson Families Send Students

Beyond local options, Edmonson families frequently send students to major universities across Texas. Our public records database tracks the organizations behind these campuses:

University of Houston Area Organizations (Sample):

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Alumni – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627

Texas A&M University Area Organizations (Sample):

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – College Station, TX 77845
• Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter – College Station, TX
• Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corporation – College Station, TX
• Delta Sigma Theta – Brazos Valley Alumnae – College Station, TX

University of Texas at Austin Area Organizations (Sample):

• Chi Omega Fraternity House Corporation – EIN 740555581 – Austin, TX 78705
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corporation – Austin, TX
• Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter – Austin, TX
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi – EIN 746047117 – Austin, TX 78705

Why This Directory Matters for Edmonson Families:

1. Liability Tracing: Each organization has potential insurance coverage
2. Pattern Evidence: National brands appear across multiple campuses
3. Investigation Starting Points: We know where to send subpoenas immediately
4. Transparency: These are public records—families deserve to know who stands behind campus organizations

Where Edmonson Families Send Their Children to College

Based on geographic patterns and educational pathways, Edmonson students typically attend:

Local/Regional Campuses:

1. Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX) – 50 miles from Edmonson, major West Texas university
2. Wayland Baptist University (Plainview, TX) – 25 miles from Edmonson, Hale County campus
3. South Plains College (Levelland, TX) – 70 miles from Edmonson, community college transfer pathway

Statewide University Hubs:

1. Texas A&M University (College Station) – Engineering, agriculture, Corps of Cadets
2. University of Texas at Austin – Flagship academic programs
3. University of Houston – Business, law, urban campus experience
4. Texas State University (San Marcos) – Education, business
5. University of North Texas (Denton) – Music, arts, education

Private & Religious Institutions:

1. Baylor University (Waco) – Christian education
2. Southern Methodist University (Dallas) – Business, law
3. Texas Christian University (Fort Worth) – Nursing, business

Each campus has its own Greek life ecosystem, hazing history, and accountability systems that Edmonson families must navigate.

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Pattern Evidence Matters

When a hazing incident occurs involving an Edmonson student, the national history of that organization becomes critically important. Courts allow “pattern evidence” showing that the national headquarters knew or should have known about risks based on prior incidents at other chapters.

Organizations with Documented National Hazing Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”):

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021) – Alcohol poisoning death, $10M settlement
• David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois University (2012) – Alcohol poisoning death, $14M settlement
• Multiple Texas Chapters – Violations at UT Austin, other campuses
• Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced alcohol consumption, delayed medical care

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”):

• Traumatic Brain Injury Case – University of Alabama (2023 lawsuit)
• Chemical Burns Case – Texas A&M University (2021) – $1M lawsuit, skin grafts required
• Assault Case – University of Texas at Austin (2024) – $1M+ lawsuit, multiple injuries
• Multiple Hazing Deaths Nationwide – Carson Starkey (Cal Poly 2008), others
• Pattern: Physical violence, alcohol hazing, chemical exposure, repeated violations

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017) – Alcohol poisoning death
• Leonel Bermudez – University of Houston (2025) – Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, our active case
• Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, forced consumption, traditional “workouts”

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

• Max Gruver – LSU (2017) – “Bible study” drinking game death, $6.1M verdict
• Multiple Chapter Closures Nationwide for hazing violations
• Pattern: Drinking games, forced consumption, tradition-based rituals

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

• SMU Chapter Suspension (2017) – Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
• Texas Tech Chapter – Active in Lubbock metro serving Edmonson students
• Pattern: Physical punishment, alcohol hazing, tradition preservation

Why National Histories Matter for Edmonson Cases

1. Foreseeability: If a national organization has had fatal hazing at other chapters, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen” when it occurs in Texas
2. Negligence Standard: Failure to implement effective prevention after prior incidents constitutes negligence
3. Punitive Damages: Knowledge of risks but failure to act can justify punitive damages
4. Insurance Coverage: Pattern evidence can defeat insurance exclusions for “intentional acts”
5. Settlement Leverage: National organizations facing multiple lawsuits have stronger incentive to settle

Texas-Specific Organization Tracking

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine includes 125 Texas-registered Greek organizations with IRS EINs, plus 129 named metro organizations across 15 Texas metros. This allows us to immediately identify:

• Legal entity names and addresses for service
• Insurance carriers through organizational filings
• Alumni associations and housing corporations with assets
• Connections between local chapters and national headquarters

For example, when we filed the Bermudez lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi at UH, we immediately identified:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX)
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters (Charlotte, NC)
• Additional Texas entities connected to the national brand

This investigatory depth means Edmonson families never start from zero—we already know how to trace liability from the local chapter to every organization with potential responsibility.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Edmonson Families

When hazing affects an Edmonson student, building a strong case requires immediate action, strategic evidence collection, and understanding of the full damages your family may recover.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important in 2025):

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage groups
• Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok videos
• Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” content
• Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends sharing, Snapchat maps
• Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, group chat messages documented the “pledge fanny pack” rules and workout demands

Photographic and Video Evidence:

• Injures documented immediately and over time
• Event locations (houses, parks, retreat centers)
• Props used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, costumes)
• Our video on evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Medical Documentation:

• Emergency room records with hazing context included
• Hospitalization records for serious injuries
• Specialist evaluations (nephrology for kidney damage, orthopedics for fractures)
• Psychological assessments (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)
• Critical: Tell medical providers “this was hazing” for proper documentation

Organizational Records:

• Chapter bylaws, pledge manuals, ritual documents
• National policies and training materials
• Prior incident reports and disciplinary records
• Insurance policies for all potential defendants

Witness Information:

• Other pledges who experienced same hazing
• Former members who quit due to misconduct
• Roommates, friends, or bystanders who observed events
• Medical personnel who treated injuries

Damages Recoverable in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):
Electronic medical expenses (ER, hospitalization, surgery, medications)
Future Medical Care: Ongoing treatment, therapy, medications, life care plans for permanent injuries
Lost Earnings: Time off work for recovery, delayed graduation impacting career start
Educational Costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, transfer expenses
Property Damage: Destroyed clothing, phones, or other property during hazing

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Compensable):
Physical Pain and Suffering: From injuries during and after hazing
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of dignity
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in activities, withdrawal from college experience
Reputational Harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools or finding jobs

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Occurs):
Funeral and Burial Expenses: Immediate costs for families
Loss of Financial Support: Future earnings the deceased would have provided
Loss of Companionship: For parents, siblings, and spouses
Emotional Suffering: Grief, trauma, and mental health treatment for surviving family

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):
Purpose: Punish defendants and deter future hazing
When Awarded: Especially reckless conduct, prior warnings ignored, cover-up attempts
Texas Limits: Statutory caps apply but can be substantial in serious cases

The Role of Insurance in Hazing Cases

Fraternities, sororities, and universities typically have multiple insurance policies that may provide coverage:

Types of Insurance Coverage:

1. General Liability Policies: May cover negligence claims
2. Directors and Officers Policies: Cover organizational leaders
3. Umbrella Policies: Additional coverage above primary limits
4. Homeowners Policies: May cover individual members if hazing occurred at their residence
5. University Policies: Public universities have governmental immunity complexities

Insurance Defense Tactics We Anticipate:

• Claiming hazing is “intentional act” excluded from coverage
• Arguing multiple policies don’t apply
• Delaying with endless documentation requests
• Offering quick, lowball settlements before full damages are known

Our Insider Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies value claims, use Independent Medical Exams to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics. This insider knowledge is why we consistently recover more for clients than firms without defense experience.

Practical Guide for Edmonson Parents and Students

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Edmonson Student May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family, non-member friends, or previous interests
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Financial changes (large unexplained expenses, requests for money)
• Personality changes (anxiety, depression, irritability)
• Academic decline (missed classes, dropping grades)

How to Talk to Your Student About Concerns:

1. Choose the Right Time: When they’re rested and not distracted
2. Use Open Questions: “How are things going with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
3. Listen Without Judgment: If they share, don’t interrupt with anger
4. Emphasize Safety: “Your health matters more than any organization”
5. Offer Support: “No matter what, we’ll help you through this”

If You Confirm Hazing: Immediate Steps:

1. Medical Care First: Even if injuries seem minor, get professional evaluation
2. Document Everything: Photos, notes of what they tell you, witness names
3. Preserve Digital Evidence: Help them screenshot messages before deletion
4. Contact Attorney911: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before confronting anyone
5. Do NOT: Confront the organization, sign university documents, or post on social media

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something dangerous or degrading?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do?
• Am I being told to keep secrets from parents, friends, or the university?
• Does this activity violate university policies or state laws?
• Would I feel embarrassed if this was recorded and shown publicly?

How to Exit Safely if You’re Being Hazed:

1. Medical Emergency: Call 911 immediately if injured or intoxicated
2. Safe Exit Plan: Tell a trusted person outside the organization first
3. Formal Resignation: Email chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
4. Avoid “One Last Meeting”: Don’t attend meetings where you might be pressured
5. Document Retaliation: If harassed after leaving, report to university and police

Your Legal Rights as a Texas Student:

• Good Faith Reporting Protection: Texas law protects those who report hazing or call for medical help
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Even if you “agreed,” hazing is still illegal
• University Obligations: Schools must investigate and take appropriate action
• Civil Rights: You cannot be retaliated against for reporting

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Based on our experience handling hazing cases across Texas, these are the most common errors families make:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence

• Why It’s Wrong: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction of justice, makes case nearly impossible
• What to Do Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

• Why It’s Wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• What to Do Instead: Document everything, call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms

• Why It’s Wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often far below true value
• What to Do Instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting Details on Social Media

• Why It’s Wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• What to Do Instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”

• Why It’s Wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
• What to Do Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer

• Why It’s Wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
• What to Do Instead: “My attorney will contact you”

Watch our video on common client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions for Edmonson Families

Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

Is hazing a felony in Texas?
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

Can my child bring a case if they “agreed” to the initiation?
Yes. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Learn about Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Why Attorney911 for Edmonson Hazing Cases

When your Edmonson family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand Texas university systems, Greek life dynamics, and how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

• Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

• One of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience:

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration
• Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability cases)
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth:

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 Greek organizations tracked
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

The Attorney911 Difference for Edmonson Families

We Understand West Texas Values: As a Texas-based firm, we understand the importance of community, education, and accountability that Edmonson families value. We approach each case with respect for your family’s privacy and commitment to justice.

We Know Texas Universities: From Texas Tech in Lubbock to flagship campuses across the state, we understand the unique cultures, policies, and accountability systems at each institution where Edmonson students study.

We Speak Your Language: Mr. Lupe Peña offers fluent Spanish language services for Hispanic families in Edmonson and across Texas (Se habla Español).

Contingency Fee Basis: We work on contingency—no upfront costs, no fee unless we recover money for your family. This makes justice accessible regardless of financial resources.

Learn how contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Call to Action for Edmonson Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at Texas Tech just 50 miles away in Lubbock, at a major university across the state, or anywhere in the United States—we want to hear from you. Families in Edmonson, throughout Hale County, and across West Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

• We’ll listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
• Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
• Answer your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
• No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
• Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Information

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Spanish-Language Services:
Hablamos Español—Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Important Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

• Click2Houston: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency Fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com